Image and message management and archiving for events

ABSTRACT

An image archiving facility creates an image and other data archive relating to an event at a location when prompted by a downloaded application for a host user. The host user may approve guest users to upload to the archive. Approval may come from an image of a person uploaded to the data archive and recognized from biometric data as an approved user. The host may control viewing of images in the archive either individually or generically.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to management of event attendee multimedia and communication.

More particularly the invention relates to the management and archiving of images and messages relating to an event, where this can most desirably, but not exclusively, be performed in one embodiment by one person acting as a host and another person or persons acting as guests, all of whom are located primarily at the event and are identified as having permission to contribute to the archive.

BACKGROUND ART

Methods of archiving images are known and as well as classical storage of such images, it is also known to place such images on an Internet site where they may be available to many persons through an application or where a viewer must provide security information in order to be able to view the images. Such internet access is provided by, for instance, Facebook™ and Instagram™ where images and messages may be lodged in various Facebook sites by persons who have permissions to do so.

However, whilst these Internet sites provide server-based repositories for access by multiple users via the Internet, still they provide for a poor user experience to access an event, where the images may be:

-   -   scattered—being held across several devices and different social         media platforms     -   missing—not uploaded or have wrong tags due to the complexity         associated with attending to this     -   cluttered—are redundant or contain duplicates     -   not curated—include undesirable images forever that are unable         to be deleted.

Some attempts have been made at overcoming the short comings of these well-known social media sites by seeking to achieve image collection and dissemination on a single page. Examples of these types of websites using an App interface include Wedpics™ and Eversnap™.

However, both of the aforementioned websites are expensive to access, and require many steps to be undertaken by a user, some of which are confusing to the lay user, and thus promote more possibility for errors to occur before achieving the desired result.

These previous efforts to provide an event associated archiving facility for images have also tended to provide limited security in terms of copyright and user privilege and limited user interaction in terms of the ability to contact others at the same event venue or to have images or other items placed on a site associated with the event.

Therefore, a need exists to not only allow persons located at an event to be permitted to upload images and other information to an archiving repository, but to do so simply, making for an entire simple and powerful user experience.

Additionally, a need exists for a solution to the problem of providing adequate security for access to an archiving application while still allowing a rapid uptake of images and other information to a possibly short-term event.

Providing a solution to the aforementioned problems is not readily apparent in adopting conventional computer software design techniques that are commonly known. Indeed, a number of technical problems present themselves to a software engineer in devising a solution using commonly known software implementation techniques.

For example, the obvious way to proceed would be considering known social networking implementation techniques to provide a solution. However, social networks typically rely on manually creating and/or verifying connections between users. In the context of the present invention, this is cumbersome and blocks many interactions until the particular connection is made by the user.

Ideally, it is desirable to provide a system and methodology that allows for anyone to be able to create an event at a single-touch, minimising the parameters that need to be input and defined. Whilst this is a simple object to specify, it is exceedingly difficult to achieve technically.

Another ideal to achieve is for users to join such simply created events automatically and contribute images without requiring permission to do so. Again, this is a relatively simple objective, but is exceedingly difficult to achieve technically.

A further source of complexity, perhaps not that well appreciated in view of the ubiquitous nature of standard interfaces, is the adoption of user logins and email addresses to access application programs and provide the communication of messages between users and posts. Several simplified user interfaces are available, however technically implementing these to achieve the desired objects of the invention again is not a matter of mere selection, but requires some technical considerations that are not immediately obvious to a skilled addressee of the invention in the art.

The present invention provides a solution to these and other problems which offers advantages over the prior art or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

It is an object of the invention to, in a preferred form, to provide an apparatus or method used for archiving of images.

In achieving these objects, it has been recognised that the traditional event creation process has rigid constraints built around the requirement of direct connections being created and verified between users and images whereas one need only infer loose associations between images, users and an event.

It has also been recognised that another constraint is the manual creation of these connections by the user whereas the adoption of auto-permissions using co-attendance may be a way of achieving the requisite degree of association. Thus, removing the need to prepare guest connections/contact details and removing the invitation/permission step is seen as a way of achieving simplicity, without detracting from functionality, as well as presenting a degree of technical character to the problem to be overcome using a software solution.

Another area to achieve simplicity is with respect to the event creation process itself, where it is recognised that advantages can be achieved by making the event creation process simple enough to be performed by a user at the location where the event is to take place or is taking place and starting the event in real time. In this manner, automated multi-location, flexible-duration events can be achieved by removing the location step, the event boundary step, the start time step and the duration step.

Removing manual steps of location, boundary, start and duration permits richer models to be created for an event, providing more flexibility in allowing enhanced modelling, inferencing and automation when the event is represented this way.

This enhanced representation of a multilocation event can enable it to be adopted at multiple locations, allow the provision of richer location models such as probabilistic maps, machine learning/ artificial intelligence inferences and automated event locations and start, end and completion times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of creating an event gallery archive, the method including the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a first user interface for a first user device;     -   (b) receiving an event reference for a new event;     -   (c) automatically obtaining a current first user device         location; and     -   (d) sending data indicative of the event reference and current         first user device location to a remote servicer device for         instantiating (or creating/initiating) an event entry in a         remote event database.

Preferably, the event reference is an event name entered by a user via the user interface.

Preferably, the event entry further includes an event boundary determined by the server device. More preferably, the event entry includes a plurality of event boundaries determined by the server device.

Preferably, the event entry further includes an event start time entered by a user via the first user interface.

Preferably, the server device automatically determines an event end time for the event.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of accessing an event gallery archive instantiated (or created/initiated) by any one of the preceding claims, the method including the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a second user interface for a second user device;     -   (b) automatically obtaining a current second user device         location;     -   (c) sending data indicative of the current second user device         location to a remote servicer device; and     -   (d) a remote server searching the event database to identify a         list of relevant events based on the current second user device         location and current time.

Preferably, the server device automatically selects a most relevant event.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of accessing an instantiated (or created/initiated) event gallery archive, the method including the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a third user interface for a third user device;     -   (b) viewing, on the third user device, an image uploaded to the         event gallery archive, the uploaded image having been parsed by         the remote server device to isolate one or more portions of the         image relating to individual persons;     -   (c) selecting one of the portions of the image relating to an         individual person;     -   (d) providing a message for the individual person; and     -   (e) sending data indicative of the message to a remote servicer         device, the remote server device linking the message to the         individual person.

Preferably, the server device automatically generates facial recognition parameters for the selected individual person; the server device automatically links the selected individual person to a fourth user account, the remote server device forwards the message to a device associated with the fourth user account.

According to still another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of regulating image archiving by:

-   -   a first host user creating at a remote service a repository         relating to an event at a specified location;     -   one or more guest users located at the event at the specified         location and having been provided with permission to do so         asynchronously storing in the repository information relating to         the event, the information including at least one image;     -   an at least one image stored in the repository being optionally         made available for download from the remote service to one or         more persons upon the approval of the first host user or a         delegate of the first host user.

Preferably the one or more persons to whom the at least one image is optionally made available for download is a guest user.

Preferably a guest user is provided with permission to asynchronously store information in the repository using the remote service by the host user or a delegate of the first host user.

Preferably the images stored to the repository are subjected to analysis by the remote service to determine whether persons appearing in the image are identifiable as persons known and approved by the first host user or delegate; persons known and approved by the first host user or delegate and appearing in images to a guest user being linked in the image to an identifier, the identifier allowing initiation of communication from the guest user to the identified person in the image.

Alternatively, an aspect of the invention lies in a method of approving guest users for participation in uploading information from an event to an event repository at a remote service including:

-   -   creating event occurrence information at a remote service the         occurrence information relating to an event occurring at a         datetime and/or at a location,     -   viewing a selfie of a person at the event;     -   approving the person to upload information to the event by         adding an identification of the person as a guest user in the         event occurrence information at the remote service.

A further aspect of the invention lies in a method of approving guest users for participation in uploading information from an event to an event repository at a remote service and downloading information from the event repository including:

-   -   creating event occurrence information at a remote service the         occurrence information relating to an event occurring at a         datetime and/or at a location,     -   uploading to the remote service from the event an image of at         least one attendee of the event;     -   identifying in the uploaded image from biometric features         persons known to the event creator;     -   adding an identification of the persons known to the event         creator as guest users in the event occurrence information at         the remote service and advising the identified persons of their         approval to upload information to the event repository.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a service archiving information from an event at an event location, the archived information including images provided by persons at the event and the service including:

-   -   an event creation service creating an event repository for an         event at a location when remotely requested by a host;     -   the host setting approval parameters for persons wishing to         upload information including images to the event repository;     -   the host setting parameters for the availability for download of         individual images uploaded to the event repository by an         approved person;     -   a guest approval service allowing uploads to the event         repository from a guest located at the event location, the guest         approval service approving a guest meeting the parameters set by         the host;     -   a download service making individual images available for         download to approved persons in accordance with the download         parameters.

Preferably the service is accessed from a mobile device.

Preferably the guest approval parameters require that the host approve an image of a proposed guest.

Preferably the guest approval parameters allow the service to approve an image of a guest in an image uploaded from the event where the image biometrics match those of a guest previously approved by the host.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of regulating image archiving wherein:

-   -   an application is provided for download thereof from a remote         source;     -   a first host user after downloading and installing the         application to a mobile device creating at a remote service a         repository relating to an event at a specified location or at         the current first host user location;     -   one or more guest users located at the event location, the one         or more guest users after downloading and installing the         application to a mobile device being identified and being         granted permission to asynchronously store information relating         to the event and including images to the repository relating to         the event;     -   the stored information in the repository being wholly or         separately authorised by said first host user to be available         for viewing by at least selected guest users.

Preferably images in the stored information in the repository may be separately authorised by the first host user to be separately viewable by one or more guest users.

Preferably images in the stored information in the repository may be separately authorised by the first host user to be viewable by any user.

Preferably the one or more guest users are granted permission by the providing of a passcode to the user by the first host user.

Preferably one or more guest users are granted permission by the first host user approval of a selfie received from the one or more guest host users.

Preferably the images stored to the repository are subjected to analysis by the remote service to determine whether persons appearing in the image are identifiable as persons known and approved by the host user; persons known and approved by the first host user and appearing in images being linked in the image appearing to a user in the mobile device application to an identifier, the identifier allowing communication from the user device application to a device application of the identified person in the image.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for hosting a service for archiving information from an event at an event location, the archived information including images provided by persons at the event and the service including:

-   an event creation service creating an event repository for an event     at a location when remotely requested by a host; -   the host setting approval parameters for persons wishing to upload     information including images to the event repository; -   the host setting parameters for the availability for download of     individual images uploaded to the event repository by an approved     person; -   a guest approval service allowing uploads to the event repository     from a guest located at the event location, the guest approval     service approving a guest meeting the parameters set by the host;     and -   a download service making individual images available for download     to approved persons in accordance with the download parameters.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for creating an event gallery archive, the system including:

-   an interface process to provide a first user interface for a first     user device; an event reference process to receive an event     reference for a new event; a location process to automatically     obtain a current first user device location; and -   a transmission process to send data indicative of the event     reference and current first user device location to a remote     servicer device for creating an event entry in a remote event     database.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for accessing an event gallery archive created by any one of the preceding claims, the system including:

-   an interface process to provide a second user interface for a second     user device; -   a location process to automatically obtain a current second user     device location; and -   a remote server to search the event database to identify a list of     relevant events based on the current second user device location and     current time.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for regulating image archiving including:

-   a first host user device including a repository relating to an event     at a specified location; -   one or more guest user devices that can be located at the event at     the specified location to asynchronously store in the repository     information relating to the event, the information including at     least one image on receiving permission to do so.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for approving guest users for participation in uploading information from an event to an event repository at a remote service including:

-   an event occurrence process to create event occurrence information     at a remote service the occurrence information relating to an event     occurring at a datetime and/or at a location; and -   an approval process allowing uploading of information to the event     from a user device of a guest user after approving the guest user by     adding an identification of the guest user in the event occurrence     information at the remote service.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for approving guest users for participation in uploading information from an event to an event repository at a remote service and downloading information from the event repository including:

-   an event occurrence process to create event occurrence information     at a remote service the occurrence information relating to an event     occurring at a datetime and/or at a location; -   an uploading process to upload to the remote service from the event     an image of at least one attendee of the event; -   an identifying process to identify in the uploaded image from     biometric features persons known to the event creator; and -   an adding and approval process to add an identification of the     persons known to the event creator as guest users in the event     occurrence information at the remote service and advising the     identified persons of their approval to upload information to the     event repository.

According to still a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for regulating image archiving including:

-   an application for download to a device from a remote source; -   a first host user mobile device after downloading and installing the     application thereto having a repository creator process to create at     a remote service a repository relating to an event at a specified     location or at the location of the first host user; -   one or more guest user mobile devices capable of being located at     the event location, the one or more guest user mobile devices after     downloading and installing the application thereto to asynchronously     store information relating to the event and including images to the     repository relating to the event after being identified and being     granted permission to do so; -   the stored information in the repository being wholly or separately     authorised by said first host user mobile device to be available for     viewing by at least selected guest user mobile devices.

These and other features of as well as advantages which characterise the present invention will be apparent upon reading of the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The best mode for carrying the invention is subsequently described by way of example to a specific and preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of the environment for capturing event images and other information;

FIG. 2 is a timing diagram of the user experience during event attendance;

FIG. 3 is a process flowchart showing the approval process of a guest user;

FIG. 4 is a process flowchart showing the approval process where an attempt at identity theft exists;

FIG. 5 is a process flowchart showing a method of creating and maintaining an event entry;

FIG. 6A is a process flowchart showing a method of joining an event.

FIG. 6B is a process flowchart showing a method of joining an event.

FIG. 7 is a process flowchart showing a method of creating a communication channel between two users;

FIG. 8 is a process flowchart showing a method of creating a communication channel between two users, but involving a false/fake account;

FIG. 9 is a process flowchart showing a method of creating an event using co-attendance;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a user device and interface for creating an event entry;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a user device and interface for joining an event;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a user device and interface for joining an event; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a user device and interface for communicating with another person depicted in an image of the event archive.

BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The specific embodiment being an example of the best mode for carrying out the invention is directed towards a system and method for managing and archiving images and messages associated with a specific event using mobile devices operated by a number of people being users and a server to provide the archive and manage communications in a distributed way amongst the mobile devices. The system includes a mobile device operated by a person acting as a host of the event, and other mobile devices of persons acting as guests of the event,

Referring now to FIG. 1 the drawing shows a mobile device 101 operated by a person acting as the host of an event and other surrounding mobile devices 102 to 105 all located in the general vicinity of the location of an event and respectively operated by persons acting as guests of the event. Typically the event is a wedding, a sporting event, a concert, a celebrity appearance or similar gathering of a number of people having mobile devices in the form of mobile (smart) phones and located within a limited physical area.

One of the mobile phones of the person acting as the host, being the smart device 101, possibly prior to the event, attaches via a data connection typically through the internet 106 to an application server and data storage server operating together as a server 107 while running an application which can assist in creating a designated event ‘hotspot’ at the event location for the period of the event. Server 107 acts to run services which can create the data to support events, manage the storage to store information being uploaded by users and identify and provide permissions for users and viewers.

FIG. 2 shows how with the aid of the application a mobile device user as either host or guest at the ‘event’ can interact with a server at 202 storing data relating to the event. At 201 the mobile device user who will host the event at 204 downloads the app (or application) from an app source, launches it and creates an event gallery ‘X’ with a specified location at the current location of the mobile device or at a location chosen for a future event. Where the event is at the current location this necessarily requires that the host grant to the app access to the mobile devices location. In either case the app then communicates with server 107 and stores the details of the event including the location. These details include any photos later uploaded asynchronously through the application from user devices and any chat messages or other communications sent from within the application to another downloader of the application located at the event location.

The host may designate the security level of the event as either public, unlisted or secure, the difference being that for a secure event only guests who have received a passcode or who have been identified by the host from a selfie or the equivalent, may access the event. For unlisted events a guest must be at the event location to join it while for a public event anyone being at the event location can join. Access to the images uploaded by approved guests is managed such that the images viewed may be limited by user, by user type or by some other permission criteria. For instance, a user who uploaded images may allow only certain images to be viewed, or the host who created the event may allow only images from some users to be viewed other users during the event and after, or allow all images to be viewed by the general public once the event is ended. Typically, the images may be curated by the host at the end of the event and those approved may be released to be viewed be the public.

Once the event exists the host may then choose options for the styling of images uploaded to the event gallery, typically choosing from a number of predefined styles or by uploading a photograph image to act as a template.

When the event is created and set up on server 202 the potential storage of information relating to it is begun at 205.

Typically, a guest 203 may arrive at the event location at 206 and, if they do not already have the app, may download the event app. At launch the app will automatically locate at 207 any events close to the geographic location of the guest. The guest will select at 208 the chosen event or if it is the only one available it may be automatically selected.

Depending on the security level of the event identification of the guest must then take place before input from the guest can be accepted. Typically for a secure event the guest may supply a name and their photo, either as a selfie or from their device stored images. The identification level required will vary with the security level of the event.

Once the guest is identified as being at the event location they may take photos for asynchronous transfer to the remote server and identification of persons within them before sharing the linkages of the photos to viewers of the gallery.

Images uploaded to the server may, depending on the security level of the event, be made available for viewing by all immediately, may be held pending individual approval by the host or an approved delegate and then made available only to guests, or may be made available publically after the event, or may be made available only to guests at the event during and after the event or some combination of these options.

Each guest may subsequently at 209 take one or more photos which will be uploaded to the server 202. The photos at 210 will be processed in server 202 to determine the identity of people appearing in the photos, whether or not the photo contains inappropriate content, and then the chosen styling will be applied to the photos, and they may at this stage, be viewable by the guests or by the public depending on the permissions which have been provided to the users and the images by the host.

When the event ceases as at 211, or before if wished, the host may approve each of the gallery photos for release at 212 or leave one or more unapproved and hence unviewable. The host may also approve one, more or all images for viewing, either through the app or via an associated website before the event ends.

Once a secure event gallery is released the host may send a passcode at 213 to those persons who are approved by the host for viewing, preferably from within the app or by SMS or email. The entry of this passcode into the app will allow them to view the gallery photos by synchronising the visible photos into the app at 216 for viewing or making them available to an associated website.

Where a public event gallery is released the event gallery is simply laid open to the public, namely anyone who has the app or wishes to view a website associated with the event.

FIG. 3 shows the process by which a guest user is verified as an identifiable person. It shows a user 301 (Paul) who is unidentified, a user 302 (Jill) who is an identified person with identity information stored on server 303. The information typically stored is a biometric based facial hash extracted from a known image of Jill and a contact, typically a mobile phone number, associated only with that user. The server will normally have the users contacts uploaded by the downloaded application.

At 304 Paul downloads the application, thus creating an initial anonymous account at the server. The application prompts the user to provide a selfie, as at 305, and when this is done the server extracts a facial hash from the image at 306 for use as an identifier.

Subsequently user Jill uploads an image A in which Paul appears and he is identified at 307 in the image from the stored facial hash. A similar image B also uploaded also results in Paul being identified in the image at 308.

Jill wishes to message Paul, and therefore clicks on that face in her version of an uploaded image in the application in which Paul appears and begins to compose a message at 309. The service at the server identifies the facial hash concerned at 310 and notes that the destination is not a verified account, and advises Jill of this at 313 but at 314 the message is sent to the server and issued to Paul. The service also retrieves from Pauls application his phone number. This is returned at 316 by the application.

The server now searches at 317 for that phone number and finds it in Jill's contact list. Paul is now considered to be trusted by Jill and is marked as such in her stored server information.

Subsequently at 318 Jill selects Paul in a second photograph to send a message to. The facial hash of the person selected is found in the server at 319 and Paul's account is selected at 320. It is verified at the server at 321 that Jill's account does trust Paul's, a message issues at 322 to Jill advising that Paul is trusted and her message issues to the server at 322 and is routed to Paul at 324.

FIG. 4 depicts the attempted verification of a falsified image where an unknown user 401 (Paul), a verified user 402 (Jill), the remote server 403 and an impersonating user 404 (Eve) are shown. At 404 Eve has created an anonymous account on the server and then used an acquired image of Paul to verify it with her phone number. Jill at 405 then sends a message to an image of Paul appearing in an uploaded image of her own. At 406 the server routes this message to Eve, but as an insecure message because Jill's contacts do not include that phone number for that facial hash.

Subsequently Paul creates his own account with his own selfie, verifying it with his own phone number. There are now two accounts at the server with the same (or very similar) facial hashes and the server matches Pauls phone number with Jill's contact list and verifies the facial hash from the selfie he took for Jill to create a trust between Paul and Jill. Jill sends another message to Paul at 409 and the server checks the trust relationships for that facial hash at 410 and finds only one which Jill trusts. The message is issued at 411 to Paul and the server issues another to Jill advising her application that the unverified account for Paul's facial hash is suspicious.

One of the requirements for loading photos or other information to the event storage server is that the person wishing to upload the information has received upload permission. Depending on gallery configuration this may be granted automatically or may be gained by proof of identity or entering a passcode. Since both host and the potential guest contributor are at the same event it is possible for face to face recognition to take place and some confirming passcode to be parsed. Additionally it is possible for the server to already have a contact list of people who are approved by the host, and to automatically pass an approval from the app to this person on receipt of a query from that person through the app.

Furthermore a photo taken by the app at the event and uploaded to the server can be parsed by the event server to identify each person in the photo against facial hashes based on biometric features stored in a general storage area of the event server. When any photo is passed to the app the face will be linked to an identifier allowing the person to be identified and messaged from within the app. Where a person approved by the host is found in such a photo they will be approved as a guest for the event and a message sent notifying them of the approval.

Optionally when a person is viewing photos of the event they may click on an identified person in a photo and send them a message from within the app.

For a more rapid uptake in a shorter event each guest who has been approved by the host, whether by direct approval by the host or approval from a facial hash may also have the capability of approving persons as guests at the event.

The host of the event may review the photos after the event and approve only those which meet the hosts criteria. The remainder may be removed or may remain as unviewable by others.

Creating an Event

According to an aspect of the technology, by way of example only, FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for a method of creating an event 500. The event creation method 500 can include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   Step 501: providing a device or application coupleable to a data         network for communicating to a server device - proceeding to         step 502.     -   Step 502: receiving user input to create an event—proceeding to         step 503.     -   Step 503: determining if the event has already been created—if         yes, proceeding to step 504—if no, proceeding to step 505.     -   Step 504: prompting the user to select either: “join existing         event” or “continue event creation”—if continuing event         creation, proceed to step 505.     -   Step 505: creating a new event, receiving location information         from the device or user (at 506), and receiving boundary         information (at 507); upon creation of a new event, and event         database (at 508) is updated to include the new event         entry—proceeding to step 510.     -   Step 510: refining event entry.

Regarding step 502, user input can comprise selection of a “create event” button without requiring additional parameters being provided. Optional user provided parameters may include a passphrase for attendees gaining access to the event repository, an event location when not specifying the current location of the device, an event start time when not already commenced, additional options such as preventing new persons from joining an event unless existing “friends” are attendees.

Regarding step 505, location information may be in the form of GPS or others self-location within the device. The initial event boundary may be set to a particular radius about the event location, or a predefined boundary polygon retrieved from a database for the event location or based on a floorplan of the event venue. The event boundary can be adjusted or updated, for example over the duration of the event. An event can include a plurality of associated event boundaries.

Regarding step 510, the event entry can be refined over time through monitoring of attendee numbers, location and activity. It will be appreciated that an event boundary (or entire event) may be identified as inactive (at 520) based on data that: attendees are identified as having departed a location separately (at 511) or together (at 513); and/or there are identified periods of inactivity (at 512). It will be further appreciated that an event boundary may be expanded or newly created (at 521) based on data that: it is identified that attendees have left a location together to a new location (at 513); there is significant user activity identified at a new location (at 514); there is user activity identified near and event location but outside a current boundary (at 515); and/or new photos are uploaded for an event (at 516).

Different event boundaries for identifying attendance at an event may be used either separately or together. For example, a more limited boundary defined for the event may be used to automatically identify an attendee as being at an event, whereas a larger boundary (increase radius) may be used to identify a new attendee where a registered friend has already been identified as attending.

Joining an Event

According to an aspect of the technology, by way of example only, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B shows a flowchart for a method of joining an event 600. The method 600 can include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   Step 601: providing a device or application coupleable to a data         network for communicating to a server device - proceeding to         step 602.     -   Step 602: determining if the device or application is associated         with a user account (for example, having a security token that         is validated by the server device); if no, proceed to step 603;         otherwise proceed to step 604.     -   Step 603: creating a user account (for example, auto generating         of an anonymous user account and returning a security token);         proceeding to step 604.     -   Step 604: validating the user account (for example, validating a         user token and/or granting permissions to the user account);         proceeding to step 606.     -   Step 606: checking for events; proceeding to step 608.     -   Step 608: applying event permissions to create a list of         potential events; proceeding to step 620 (at 615).     -   Step 620: determining a list of active events from the list of         potential events; proceeding to step 622.     -   Step 622: determining a list of local events from the list of         active events; proceeding to step 624.     -   Step 624: determining a list of accessible events from the list         of local events; proceeding to step 626.     -   Step 626: providing the list of accessible events to a potential         attendee; proceeding to step 628.     -   Step 628: determining a probable event or events from the list         of accessible events that the user (potential attendee) may         probably attend; proceed to step 630.     -   Step 630: determining if there is only one probable event, being         an identified event; if no, proceed to step 632, otherwise         proceed to step 634.     -   Step 632: enabling manual selection of probable events, thereby         selecting one identified event; proceeding to step 634.     -   Step 634: registering the device/application account as an         attendee at the identified event.

Regarding step 604, it will be appreciated that the user account may be initially are verified or associated with an anonymous user. An anonymous account can be created with minimal data requirements. By registering a device or application instance, for example with a security token, a user account and password may not be required, but can be optional.

Regarding step 606, checking for events can be made manually or automatically. The device application can enable a user to manually check for events. The device application may also use location services to determine the location of the device (or user) to automatically and/or periodically check for events in the local vicinity.

Regarding step 608, applying event permissions may be dependent on data provided by location services (at 610), an event database (at 611), and a user database (at 612). By way of example, the event database may provide data relating to any one or more of the following: specific events; event boundaries (including multi-boundaries); event activity/inactivity; event creator; identified attendees at the event; an event pass phrase that may be required (optional); requirements for any existing connections (optional). By way of example, the user database may provide data relating to any one or more of the following: events created or attended; event photos taken; event photos appeared in; event history; event logins; device location history; event messages sent; and existing connections/friends. The events permissions can be applied to create a list of potential events.

Regarding step 622, the device or application may use location services to determine a current location of the device or user. The current location can then be used to determine appropriate events in the vicinity (for example based on a predefined radius, predefined polygon, or other selection criteria). It will be appreciated that an extended range may be used for defining the list of local events where an existing connections/friend of the user is already attending an event in that range.

Regarding step 624, additional verification can be optionally required for determining the list of accessible events. Any additional verification requirements are typically set by the event creator. For example, an event may require a potential attendee to have a pre-existing connection with an event attendee or event creator. For example, an event may require a potential attendee to provide a pass phrase.

Regarding step 628, the number of shared connections/friends and proximity can be used as factors in determining probabilities that the user may potentially attend one or more available events. For example, a score can be increased for each connection/friend that is an event attendee. For example, a score can be increased based on closer proximity to an event.

Regarding step 634, registering the device/application account may include: granting permission to upload photos; granting permissions to view photos; granting permissions to communicate with other attendees; recording attendance at the event.

User Communication

The system, by using facial isolation and recognition to associate attendees in uploaded photos to a device or application account, is adapted to provide a communication path between guests, attendees or registered users without releasing contact information to either party. This can further extend to device or application accounts that are otherwise anonymous attendees.

By using a central server device that is coupled to (and communicate with) each device or application, it is possible for the server to provide a communication path between the separate devices or applications. The communication path may include, but is not limited to: short message services, text services, social media services, or voice over data services. In some embodiments, the system, or an attendee, can place restrictions on communication options.

By way of example, a server device can parse images uploaded to an event gallery for isolating portions of the image relating to individual faces or persons. The server device can associate or link//tag each individual face or person with an anonymous account or reference, which can occur prior to any facial recognition. Without facial recognition, or linking/tagging, of the portions of the image relating to the individual face or person—it is not possible to associate these portions of the image to a specific user account or attendee, but is possible to enable the server device to store a message from a sender until that person represented by that portion of the image is linked to a user account.

According to an aspect of the technology, by way of example only, FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for a method 700 of communicating between two users 710 (first user Alice) and 720 (second user Bob). The method 700 can include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   Step 711: a first user providing or using a device or         application that enables registration or association with an         event, wherein the device or application provides access to         photographs connected with the event; proceeding to step 712.     -   Step 712: the first user registering the device or application         as an attendee of the event; proceeding to step 713.     -   Step 713: the first user attendee displays a previously uploaded         photograph comprising a face image of a second user attendee at         the event, selects to enter and send a message to the identified         second user attendee, wherein the system stores the message and         links it to an account associated with the second user attendee.

The photograph ‘A’ (including the face of the second user Bob) can be separately uploaded by any authorised user of the system (at 730). The system (or server device) uses image and facial recognition to isolate and identify faces in uploaded photographs. Facial recognition parameters are calculated for each identified face in each of the photographs. Facial recognition parameters can then be compared to facial recognition parameters associated with registered users, devices or applications. The system (or server device) can, upon matching facial recognition parameters, associate faces in uploaded photographs to particular registered users, devices or applications, as well as with other matching faces in uploaded photographs. If no match can be found registered users, devices or applications, the system (or server device) can associate the face in an uploaded photograph to a temporary anonymous account, along with other matching faces in uploaded photographs. The temporary anonymous account can be later associated with a registered user device or application linked to a portrait image having matching facial recognition parameters. The association between identified faces in uploaded in our photos, registered users, devices and applications can be automatically performed by the system (or server device). Alternatively, an association can be made through manual selection of facial images.

Regarding step 713, if the system does not yet have any association for the facial image of the second user attendee, the message can be linked to a temporary anonymous account until associated with a registered user, device or application. The image can be pushed to a later registered user device or application.

For later registration of the second user attendee 720 (Bob), the method 700 can further include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   Step 721: coupling a device or application a server device that         enables registration or association with an event, wherein the         device or application provides access to photographs connected         with the event; proceeding to step 722.     -   Step 722: registering the device or application as an attendee         of the event; proceeding to step 723.     -   Step 723: uploading a portrait image of the second user attendee         for linking the device or application; proceeding to step 724.     -   Step 724: associating facial parameters derived from the         portrait image (as calculated by a server device) to the device         or account; proceeding to step 725.     -   Step 725: sending/pushing the message from the first user         attendee to the device or application of the second user         attendee.

Regarding step 723, the portrait image can be associated with greater or lesser reliability depending on the source of the image. If the device or application is known to have taken the image at or during the event a higher level of confidence can be placed on the image for belonging to the registered user, device or application. It would be appreciated that, in some embodiments, a constraint can be applied that a new portrait image is directly taken and uploaded from the device or application at each event. Alternatively, if the device or application is already registered with a user portrait, in some embodiments, step 723 and step 724 can be bypassed.

In the event that the first user attendee 710 has a registered device or application, and server device facial recognition of photograph CA links the image to a second user attendee 720 registered device or application, the server device can enable a bi-directional communication between the first and second user device or application without disclosing contact details of either user.

Although the system can enable substantive anonymous interaction between attendees, some level of fraud protection and detection can be applied.

FIG. 8 shows, by way of example only, a flowchart for a method 800 of communicating between two users 810 (first user Alice) and 820 (second user Bob), while initially having an impostor user 801 (Mallory).

In this example, an impostor user 801 takes steps to create a false account for a second user 820, comprising this one or more of the following steps:

-   -   Step 802: coupling a device or application a server device that         enables registration or association with an event, wherein the         device or application provides access to photographs connected         with the event; proceeding to step 803.     -   Step 803: uploading a portrait image of the second user attendee         for linking the device or application; proceeding to step 804.     -   Step 804: associating to facial parameters derived from the         portrait image (as calculated by a server device) to the device         or account.

In an embodiment, it will be appreciated that the impostor user 801 may not know about the existence, location or duration of the event. The impostor user may also not know any other user will be attending.

The photograph ‘A’ (including the face of the second user Bob) can be separately uploaded by any authorised user of the system (at 730/830). The system (or server device) uses image and facial recognition to isolate and identify faces in uploaded photographs.

The method 800 associated with the first user attendee is similar to the previous example, and can include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   Step 811: a first user providing or using a device or         application that enables registration or association with an         event, wherein the device or application provides access to         photographs connected with the event; proceeding to step 812.     -   Step 812: the first user registering the device or application         as an attendee of the event; proceeding to step 813.     -   Step 813: the first user attendee displays a previously uploaded         photograph comprising a face image of Bob, and selects to enter         and send a message to the identified attendee.

In an embodiment, it will be appreciated that the facial parameters for Bob derived from photograph “A” will be associated with the impostor user 801 device or application. The impostor will then receive the message intended for Bob (at 805), but the message will not contain any sensitive data or contact formation from the user database or event database.

The method 800 associated with later registration of a second user attendee is similar to the previous example, and can include one or more of the following steps:

-   -   Step 821: coupling a device or application a server device that         enables registration or association with an event, wherein the         device or application provides access to photographs connected         with the event; proceeding to step 822.     -   Step 822: registering the device or application as an attendee         of the event; proceeding to step 823.     -   Step 823: uploading a portrait image of the second user attendee         for linking the device or application; proceeding to step 824.     -   Step 824: associating to facial parameters derived from the         portrait image (as calculated by a server device) to the device         or account.

Regarding step 824, associating facial parameters derived from the portrait image would conflict with the false account created (at 804). As the second user is an attendee there is a higher presumption of validity in the second user device or application. This presumption of validity can be further improved where the portrait image is directly created and provided by the device application at the event. If the presumption of validity resides with the second user, the false account created (at 804) can be marked as a “fake”

The server device, if marking the false account created (at 804) as a fake, can message first user device or application notifying of the validity status of the second user account and the potential that the message sent (at 813) may have been forwarded to a false account. It will be appreciated that the probably of false accounts being created can be reduced by more stringent registration requirements. Any registration requirements would need to be balanced against ease-of-use and free access to the communication system.

In an embodiment, a user may opt in or opt out of receiving communications from other users. By way of example only, in the case where a user has opted out of receiving communications, the server device may still identify individuals in uploaded photograph through facial recognition, and allow a message to be stored and linked to temporary anonymous accounts, but not delivered. By way of example only, in the case where a user has a registered device or application with linked facial recognition parameters and opted out of receiving communications, the server device may still identify individuals in uploaded photograph through facial recognition but not assign any references to recognise users that have opted out.

The functionality of a user tapping on an image of a person's faces to commence communication can apply to any attendee appearing in a photograph taken at an event, or even uploaded to the server device. If the server device does not yet have matching facial recognition parameters for the person associated with a registered user, device or application—the message may be temporarily held until it can be delivered.

User Interface

The device or application provides a simple interface to create and access event image galleries. Guests can easily join an event as attendee, and quickly start contributing photos. Event galleries can be finalised and/or shared with guests and the general public at the discretion of the host or event creator.

The device or application may further provide a public communication function which allow private communication by clicking on any image of a person in an event gallery without needing any other means of identifying the person (such as manually tagging the photo and linking the tag to a user account). Messages can be sent to the target user identified in the photo, and stored before the target has claimed or registered their identify. The “address” for the message is a biometric parameter (e.g. facial appearance), not a construct (email/phone number) or a location (mailing address).

The system (server device) and device/application can allow joining an event based on current location - thereby avoiding the need to send invitations, codes, email links, etc.

The system (server device) and device/application can allow photos to be uploaded to an event gallery without formally creating a user account—thereby allowing photographs to be added in a less restrictive manner while retaining options to restrict viewing of event galleries.

The system (server device) and device/application, by allowing simplified access to uploading photos to an event gallery, can reduce the chance of photo collections being fragmentated or incomplete.

The system (server device) and device/application can enable a host or event creator to approve images, and/or apply style/filters to each image, before inclusion in an event gallery.

The system (server device) and device/application is adapted for an improved event/host/guest experience, not a bolt-on to a general social media experience.

The system (server device) and device/application requires fewer/minimal steps to get started and contribute to event photos—avoiding need for emails/phone numbers/passwords etc.

The system (server device) and device/application enables security in a user-friendly way.

The system (server device) and device/application enables the following advantages:

-   -   (a) Using current location to join/unlock/access an event.     -   (b) Using location-based, presence of user at an event         time/place.     -   (b) Reduced security burden to add photos (whilst maintaining         full security to view photos).     -   (c) Defer higher-security steps to avoid impacting uptake.     -   (d) Automatically identify malicious users joining an event.         e.g. Scan for suspicious behaviour, IP address, etc.     -   (e) Convenient tools to manually deal with uninvited users. e.g.         Eject a user from event and automatically remove all photos by         that user.     -   (f) Automatic and semi-automatic tagging of people in images.     -   (g) Users can comment on a photo and identified persons         appearing in the photo can be notified.     -   (h) Users can send non-private messages to a person appearing in         a photo before they have an account, and before they have been         identified in the photo.     -   (i) Users can send private messages once each participant has a         full account (e.g. by entering email/mobile number). Private         messaging can be initiated by selecting a person appearing in         the photo.

Event Creation

An event collection can include data associated with the location, start time, duration and photos uploaded. The location and range may be adjusted in real time, based on the attendee distribution. The duration may also be adjusted in real time based on the number of attendees at the event.

An event can be created (with sufficient richness to be useful) by pressing a single button on the device or application. In this example embodiment, event creation may include any one or more of the following attributes:

-   -   (a) assuming the event will commence immediately, using the         current location of the user event creator as the basis for         defining a location for the event;     -   (b) assuming a default event duration (e.g. 3 hours), an event         duration can automatically extended while there is sufficient         activity at the event (for example, continually extend the         duration beyond 3 hours if there has been activity at the event         location in the last 60 minutes);     -   (c) the device or application can automatically enable a guest         to join an event when the location service of the device or         application identifies its location is within a boundary of a         current event;     -   (d) private/secure events can be created and maintained by         requiring a predefined secret passcode or knowledge test prior         to entry (a passphrase is typically not immediately required         because the initial empty event does not contain sensitive         information);     -   (e) photo privacy can be managed and maintained, while still         allowing anonymous users to upload photos (which does not leak         potentially sensitive information), wherein more stringent         created specified permission requirements are applied when         retrieving/viewing photos.

Joining an Event

The server device, user device or application can enable a user to join an event automatically, and contribute photographs to the event gallery without requiring permissions to be set. In this scenario, the user device or application is identified (accepted as an attendee) by the server device while still allowing the user to be otherwise anonymous. The user identity associated with the device or application can be verified through the submission/uploading of a portrait image (or other means) at a later date or time.

The server device enables joining and permissions, to permit submission of event photos to the event gallery, through one or more of the following steps:

-   -   (a) identifying the user/device/application as being present at         the event. The device or application can report a current         location, during the event period, such that server device can         determine that the user is a current attendee at the event.     -   (b) submitting a portrait image via the device or application         (either captured through the application or selected from an         existing photo sourced) to the server device, may be used by the         server device to determine facial recognition parameters that         can automatically associate permissions to access particular         event photos and messages.

The server device, user device or application can typically avoid the need to manually select, or reduces the selection options, between events that are occurring in close geographic and temporal vicinity by:

-   -   (a) Using other available data to automatically detect the         correct event, such as previous interactions with         already-joined-guests at the event;     -   (b) Dynamically adjusting event boundaries based on how many         events are nearby. For example, if only one event is active in         the nearby area, use a generous/large radius to make it easy to         join (e.g. 1 km). Alternatively, if two events are active in         close proximity, auto-join if the user is very close to the         event location (e.g. With 20 meters) but allow them to join by         manually selecting the event within 1 km.     -   (c) Providing manually selection between multiple events that         the user/device/application may be attending.

Additional security constraints can also be applied as a special configuration on the event. For example, if physical presence at the event is insufficient.

It will be appreciated that application some security constraints can be deferred until data/photos are retrieved, while not affecting the ability to upload images to the event gallery. This approach can maintain a high level of security for accessing potentially sensitive photos, whilst not imposing a burden on the less sensitive photo submission process.

Such security constraints may include one or more of the following:

-   -   (a) Requiring a passcode that has been shared to invited guests;     -   (b) Requiring an answer to a question or hint. This may enable         potential valid attendees to implicitly know the answer for the         particular event, without the need of sharing a passcode. For         example, requesting the user to enter the event postcode, name         with the event venue, the Host's middle name, or host's date of         birth.     -   (c) Requiring a pre-existing relationship(s) with guests,         existing attendees or the event organizer.

The device and application can also assist in security by limiting the ability to fake device locations for gaining access to different events. Such measures or techniques in the application or server device can include:

-   -   (a) Throttling the speed at which location can be updated     -   (b) Monitoring device and application usage and location to         detect suspicious or abnormal activity     -   (c) Using other available data (such as nearby wi-fi networks or         cell phone towers, which can be further cross-referenced with         existing attendees) to verify that the device and application is         at the claimed location.

In some embodiments, the server device, user device or application can enable a user to join/attend an event when either:

-   -   (a) the user/device/application are not currently at the event         location; and/or.     -   (b) before/after the event has finished in order to contribute         photos to, or retrieve photos from, the event gallery.

It will be appreciated that, in the above circumstances where the presence at the place/time of the event cannot be verified, a higher burden of proof or security may be imposed to gain access. Such additional security may include one or more of the following:

-   -   (a) Requiring the user to enter an event passcode.     -   (b) Requiring an explicit invitation to join the event from an         organiser or attendee (for example, by sharing a secure link).     -   (c) Requiring the user to upload a selfie, where the server         device can verify they also appear in at least one of the event         photos.     -   (d) Requiring connection(s) with the event organizer(s) or         attendee(s).     -   (e) Requiring an uploaded image already tagged before or during         the event.

Communication channels utilising facial recognition

The server device, user device and application can enable a communication channel between event attendee.

The method for initiating a communication channel can include:

-   -   (a) using the device or application to view a photo from an         event gallery having a person tagged/identified by a server         device using facial recognition techniques;     -   (b) Selecting (for example, clicking or touching the person's         image in the photo (or the tag) to open a communication channel         with that person.

In an embodiment, the communication channel can include one or more of the following:

-   -   (a) Opening a messaging feature on the sender's device or in the         sender's application, typing a message and sending it. The         message would be directed to the recipient's device or         application, and a notification of the message can be sent to         the recipient (for example, a sound or visual indicator).     -   (b) Launching or opening a message feature on the recipient's         device or in the recipient's application enables a two-way         communication channel with the sender of the original message.

It will be appreciated that, a preferred communication method may be configured by the recipient and/or sender (for example, email, short message services, electronic messaging, etc), whereby the server device can be the communication channel for the message. In some embodiments, the server device can withhold contact details, and remain an intermediary in any communication channel, thereby allowing communication across data modes (for example, email to/from SMS).

It will be appreciated that, interactions between attendees can create ongoing social or professional relationships between users. User connections can be recorded in a user profile stored in the user database. A user connection can be recorded explicitly (e.g. friends/colleagues/) and/or implicitly (e.g. common attendances, pass communications).

Further features and process steps may enhance the initiation of establishing a communication channel. Such features and process steps may include any one or more of the following:

-   -   (a) Identify individuals in uploaded photos to create a         collection of all photos containing each individual (using         facial recognition software). This can include: (i) detecting         images of faces/people in all uploaded photos; (ii) For each         face/person detected, find similar faces/people in other photos         which are likely to depict the same person; (iii) link the         identified instances of an individual in separate photos driven         primarily by imagery within event galleries, so an individual         does not need to be known in advance or have an account.     -   (b) A user/attendee may use the device or application to         identify (“tag”) themselves in one or more uploaded photos (for         example, by indicating that a particular face/person in a photo         is them). This can include: (i) the user's         device/application/account is associated with matching facial         recognition parameters; (ii) faces/people with similar facial         recognition parameters in other photos (matched earlier         anonymously) may be auto-tagged and linked with the same user         account; (iii) additional refinements or quality checks may be         iteratively applied to maintain a robust collection of photos in         which the user appears.     -   (c) Initiating a message directed to a user whose face appears         in a photo, can be routed to the user who has been         associated/tagged. If the face/person in the image has not yet         been tagged with a specific user, then a message can be saved to         a temporary mailbox associated with that image/face/person which         can be claimed at a later date.     -   (d) Supporting processes can deal with “special” cases such         as: (i) identical twins or people who look very similar; (ii) an         image “squatter” whose ‘selfie’ profile images are not of         themselves.

It will be appreciated that references to “face” and facial recognition can be generalised or extended to include recognition of other aspects appearing in a photo, including: other physical anatomy, clothing, time and location the photograph was taken, etc.

It will be further appreciated that references to an event “location” or “boundary” may be defined by a radius/perimeter, polygon, established floorplan, or other physical or stochastic modelling.

Event Co-Attendance Model

Social networks typically rely on manually creating and/or verifying connections between users which is cumbersome and blocks many interactions until explicit connections are made. In an embodiment of the present technology, loose associations can be inferred. Co-attendance may be used to replace traditional social media “connections”.

Using co-attendance can enable an interaction model to leverage co-attendance at an event to infer a basic connection between the users which grants some basic privileges, avoiding the need for explicit permission until more intrusive interactions are attempted.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart for a method of event creation 800 utilising co-attendance. The method includes the steps of:

-   -   Step 910: Selecting event creation, typically at the event         location and event start time.     -   Step 920: generating permissions.     -   Step 930: reviewing multi-location and event duration.     -   Step 940: representing multi-location events.

It will be appreciated that event creation can be initiated at the location and start time of an event, and established and maintained in an event database in real time. Further automation of event maintenance is available using co-attendance modelling.

Referring to step 920, the permissions can be automatically established using co-attendance. This may remove the need to pre-prepare guest connections and contact details. This may further remove any need to require invitations or access permissions.

Referring to step 930, the server device can automate identification of multi-location events and flexible duration of events. This may remove the need for an event creator to provide event location, event start time, event duration, event boundary. It will be appreciated that user access is improved by removing requirements for manual steps of providing event details (including event location/start time/duration/boundary).

Referring to step 840, the server device can maintain and enhance representation of multi-location events. The server device can identify attendees linked to an event over multiple locations. Modelling of separate locations can include heuristic and probabilistic mapping of attendees. Separate modelling of events at each location can include automated event commencement and completion.

In an embodiment, co-attendees can see who attended the event, and may message each other without having any other connection, subject to server device imposed security (for example based on a recipients profile settings).

Challenges of using co-attendance as a connection includes balancing:

-   -   (a) Granting too many privileges based on co-attendance does not         protect users sufficiently and makes connections less         meaningful.     -   (b) Granting insufficient privileges based on co-attendance         makes it little more than a list of people who attended an         event.

In an embodiment, anonymous participants or attendees can be allowed. This gives rise to a number of problems and solutions. As photographs can contain private/sensitive content, a host or attendee need a degree of control over how they will be accessed. Photo sharing applications typically require manually granting access over content. The current technology applies ruleset which regulates anonymous access (based on location—at/during-event), so that users no longer need direct control over permissions. This enables a permission step to be removed without losing reasonable control and protection. Knowledge may be required about guests in advance of an event, in order to allow them to participate in an event whilst having some control over what they can/cannot do. An email address or username can be required for granting permission to view/contribute to the event.

Data associated with the behaviour of a user, device or application can be analysed to identify a person as legitimate or spoofing. Given that permissions can be granted based on location, spoofing location may fraudulently enable gaining of permissions. Measures can be employed to prevent or mitigate location spoofing, including:

-   -   (a) Tracking user location history for anomalies. For example,         activity may be flagged as potentially malicious if user         location changes faster than is physically possible or         realistic, such as the device or application recording two         locations that would require a travel speed of over 1000 km/hr.         Determining whether user activity/location is “realistic” could         account for traffic, likely modes of transport, etc.     -   (b) Tracking device sensor data such as: device orientation,         nearby Wi-Fi networks, signal strength, method of device         authentication (e.g. face id), etc. for example, activity may be         flagged as potentially malicious if device orientation/motion no         device motion or change in orientation has occurred. Device data         can be cross-referenced with other attendee device data.     -   (c) Considering the device type. For example, certain devices         may be more commonly faked/spoofed, and therefore less         trustworthy.     -   (d) Tracking user activity history and connections. For example,         users/accounts with a suitable history of activity and multiple         connections with other users or attendees may infer greater         reliability that the user/account is not a bot, application         running on an emulator, or device using spoofed location data.

The server device, user device and application may use adaptive multi-locations/boundaries for an event. A location for an event can include multiple distinct locations, and can change over time (for example, preparations before an event, off-site photo shoot, moving to an after party, etc).

The current technology enables any one or more of the following:

-   -   (a) Creating an event that requires specifying of a start time,         which can be provided at the start of the event. By allow         physical presence at all during and event to automatically grant         some permissions, there is no need to send         invitations/permissions in advance. It is possible to create an         event at any time, even after the event has started.     -   (b) Creating an event that requires specifying of a location or         locations, which can be provided by the device when initiating         the event at the start time. Since the event entry does not         require advance creation, the location of the device at the time         the event creation may be used to automatically populate the         event location. The server device may enable an event         creator/host to combine multiple events (particularly for         multilocation events).     -   (c) Implementing enhanced event location models, allowing an         event entry to: (i) include multiple discrete locations; (ii)         change event locations over time (for example, adding/removing         event locations during the event); (iii) represent event         location with richer models including: polygons, multi-polygons,         probabilistic models which map locations to likelihood of         belonging to an event (for example, based on a venue floorplan         or street map).     -   (d) Implementing Enhanced event duration/completion models,         allowing the event entry to: (i) record event as “active” or         “completed”, assisting identification of event attendance and         granting permissions to the event; (ii) independently recording         each individual location should be marked as “active” and         “completed” at the correct time. It will be appreciated that         some users/attendees may provide greater weight in determining         when an event location is active or completed (for example,         location of an event organizer, VIP, heavily connected user, or         heavy content contributor may be a reliable indicator of event         status).     -   (e) Differential treatment between users joining an event and         users that have already joined the event. Users who have already         joined an event may be allowed to continue participating in the         event even after it has been closed to new users joining (for         example, people already identified as attending an event may be         allowed to continue adding photos to an event gallery, even as         other users at the same location may be prevented from joining).     -   (f) Implementing Automatic/Dynamic Event Location closure. It         will be appreciated that, accuracy in event closure is         important, whereby: (i) early marking an event as completed will         prevent users from participating in the event; and (ii) late         marking an event as completed may result in non-attendees         gaining access to the event. The technology is adapted to         automatically mark an event location as “closed” in a         timely/reliable/robust manner by analyzing: (i) user activity,         including user/guest location, photo locations, app usage. (For         example, tracking user location can indicate that guests are         departing a venue and that event location should be closed (ii)         data from similar events for allowing inferences to be made (for         example, the likelihood of event location continuing to be used         for further activity at any given point in time).     -   (g) Implementing machine learning or artificial intelligence         approaches to manage both location and duration.     -   (h) By employing machine learning methods to improve quality of         inferences regarding event location and event         duration/completion. Input data can include one or more of the         following: (i) event creation parameters (e.g. time and location         of event creation, plus other optional settings); (ii) user         activity; (iii) user locations over time; (iv) user         connections; (v) user photos contributed; (vi) user profile         (e.g. a user with close connections to event attendees will be         more likely to be allowed to join/contribute). Output inferences         may include one or more of the following: (i) event locations         (e.g. a 2D probabilistic map of likelihood of new users being         attendees for a particular event; (ii) a new user being allowed         to join (e.g. Yes—any user, Yes—only if sufficient connections         with existing attendees, Yes—only if passcode provided, or         No); (iii) existing attendees being allowed to contribute (e.g.         Yes—any attendee; Yes—only if sufficient connections with         existing attendees Yes—only if event organizer; or No, closed         for all users).

User Device and Interface

FIG. 10 through FIG. 13 show, show by way of examples, a user device 1000 and associated application user interfaces 1001 1101 1201 1301 for creating an event, joining a public event, joining a closed event, and sending a message to an attendee (respectively).

Referring to FIG. 10 an event can be created through an application 1001. The applicant has a number of default settings. Upon entering a event reference or an event name 1010, an event can be created at the current location commencing at the current time through selection of “create” 1012. An event reference may alternatively be pre-generated by the server device, user device or user application. Optional settings include: adding an event cover photo (at 1020), specifying an alternative time (at 1022), specifying the event as private (at 1024), or specifying the event as hidden (at 1026).

By specifying the event as private, a secret question or pass phrase can be set. By setting the event as hidden, hides the event from current users until it is un-hidden or published.

By selecting “create” 1012, an event can be created at the user's current location (as determined by the device using a location system, for example GPS or cell phone location).

The event creator may change the location and time of an event. The event creator may also set image filters to be applied to photographs uploaded to an image gallery.

Referring to FIG. 11, a device 1000 or application 1101 may join a public event (at 1110) based on the current location. A user may select other possible events (at 1120) or a gallery view (at 1122).

A user can select to take or upload a photograph (at 1130), which uses a camera on the device or a local image gallery.

Referring to FIG. 12, a device 1000 or application 1201 may join an event by answering a security question (at 1210). This allows access to the event, similar to joining a public event as taught above.

Referring to FIG. 13, a device 1000 or application 1301 enables a user to communicate with an identified attendee at an event. In this example, the identified attendee has been tagged by a server device in a photo contained in the event gallery. Selection of the identified attendee (at 1310) enables the user to submit a message for the identified attendee (whether the attendee is anonymous or a registered user).

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The image archiving of the invention is used in the communication and publishing of images which are employed in social information systems. The present invention is therefore industrially applicable.

Interpretation

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example, the particular elements of the image archiving may vary dependent on the particular application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to image and message archiving for use in an event recording system, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

It would be appreciated that, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment.

Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “calculating”, “determining” or the like, can refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

In a similar manner, the term “processor” may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A “computer” or a “computing machine” or a “computing platform” may include one or more processors.

The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken is included.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “coupled”, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms “coupled” and “connected”, along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

It will be appreciated that an embodiment of the invention can consist essentially of features disclosed herein. Alternatively, an embodiment of the invention can consist of features disclosed herein. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 

1. A method of creating an event gallery archive, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a first user interface for a first user device; (b) receiving an event reference for a new event; (c) automatically obtaining a current first user device location; and (d) sending data indicative of the event reference and current first user device location to a remote service device for creating an event entry in a remote event database.
 2. The method according to claims 1, wherein the event reference is an event name entered by a user via the user interface.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the event entry further includes an event boundary determined by the server device.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the event entry includes a plurality of event boundaries determined by the server device.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the event entry further includes an event start time entered by a user via the first user interface.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the server device automatically determines an event end time for the event.
 7. A method of accessing an event gallery archive created by any one of the preceding claims claim 1, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a second user interface for a second user device; (b) automatically obtaining a current second user device location; (c) sending data indicative of the current second user device location to a remote servicer device; and (d) searching the event database to identify a list of relevant events based on the current second user device location and current time.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the server device automatically selects a most relevant event.
 9. A method of accessing an event gallery archive created by claim 1, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a third user interface for a third user device; (b) viewing, on the third user device, an image uploaded to the event gallery archive, the uploaded image having been parsed by the remote server device to isolate one or more portions of the image relating to individual persons; (c) selecting one of the portions of the image relating to an individual person; (d) providing a message for the individual person; and (e) sending data indicative of the message to a remote servicer device, the remote server device linking the message to the individual person.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the server device automatically generates facial recognition parameters for the selected individual person; the server device automatically links the selected individual person to a fourth user account, the remote server device forwards the message to a device associated with the fourth user account. 11-21. (canceled)
 22. The method of claim 1 wherein: an application is provided for download thereof from a remote source; a first host user after downloading and installing the application to a mobile device creating at a remote service a repository relating to an event at a specified location or at the current first host user location; one or more guest users located at the event location, the one or more guest users after downloading and installing the application to a mobile device being identified and being granted permission to asynchronously store information relating to the event and including images to the repository relating to the event; the stored information in the repository being wholly or separately authorised by said first host user to be available for viewing by at least selected guest users. 23-25. (canceled)
 26. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein one or more guest users are granted permission by the first host user approval of a selfie received from the one or more guest host users.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the images stored to the repository are subjected to analysis by the remote service to determine whether persons appearing in the image are identifiable as persons known and approved by the host user; persons known and approved by the first host user and appearing in images being linked in the image appearing to a user in the mobile device application to an identifier, the identifier allowing communication from the user device application to a device application of the identified person in the image.
 28. A system for creating an event gallery archive, the system including: an interface process to provide a first user interface for a first user device; an event reference process to receive an event reference for a new event; a location process to automatically obtain a current first user device location; and a transmission process to send data indicative of the event reference and current first user device location to a remote servicer device for creating an event entry in a remote event database.
 29. A system for accessing an event gallery archive created by claim 28, the system including: an interface process to provide a second user interface for a second user device; a location process to automatically obtain a current second user device location; and a remote server to search the event database to identify a list of relevant events based on the current second user device location and current time. 30-33. (canceled) 